Ohio State issued a release yesterday stating that athletic director Gene Smith has no intention
of pursuing the same job at his alma mater, Notre Dame. Smith should put a copy in his personnel
file for use the next time he talks contract.

Because as football coach Jim Tressel said, "Gene Smith is the finest athletics director in
America and we are so happy that he will remain at Ohio State. He cares about every
student-athlete, every coach and staff member, and the entire Buckeye nation. This is a great day
for all of us."

Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee, who recently made Smith an assistant vice president of the
university, wasn't far behind in his praise of the man who runs the 36-sport, $110 million athletic
department.

"Ohio State not only has the nation's most comprehensive athletics program, but also one that is
thoroughly integrated into the larger academic life of the university," Gee said. "Gene Smith is a
key factor in our students' successes both on the playing field and in the classroom, and I am
delighted with his commitment to remain here at Ohio State."

The question about Smith's possible interest in the Notre Dame job -- it came open when Kevin
White abruptly left for Duke on Saturday -- was natural.

He was a former football player at the school and a 1977 graduate.

But having just entered his fourth year at Ohio State, Smith said in the release he has no
intention of leaving. Besides, he said, he has not been contacted by Notre Dame officials.

"I am honored that many (in the media and Notre Dame community) consider me to be a candidate,
but I have no desire to leave Ohio State," Smith said.

He added, "I have the utmost respect for Notre Dame and great admiration for the university and
its athletics department, but I will not be a candidate for the job there. I am very happy being at
The Ohio State University and am excited about its new leadership of the university.

"I am thrilled with the direction we are going in the department and am pleased and thankful for
the support of President Gee and the administration."